Day two of the 2018 Oceania Cup showcased some impressive performance from both the AFL Fiji men side at the Albert Park yesterday.

The Oceania Cup will be the trial selection for the South Pacific team that will compete at the Queensland State Championship in April next year.

Speaking to SUNsports, AFL Fiji development officer Simon Highfield was pleased with the performance of both the Fijian team as he hopes for a good outcome on final day.

“The competition started really well we have seen electric space by the Vanuatu side who have been working really hard under some good coaching this year,” Highfield said.

“And they had been really electric, fast and skillful. We have a really good two Fiji mens team competing where the first Fiji team is the Fiji mens tribe and the developing team is named as the Pacific All stars.

“The reason why we had field in a second team because this year the Tongan side didn’t qualify as a result we had needed an extra team.

“They both have been impressive with their performance so far and we trying our best to get them into the AFL system of playing.

“Also for our development side they have been quiet encouraging to and I have seen them play a good footy.

“We are looking forward to a tough battle from Nauru and Vanuatu in the coming days.

“The Oceania Cup is basically the trial selection for the South pacific team that will comprise of players from Nauru, Vanuatu and Fiji.

“And this team will go over to Brisbane to compete at the U16 Queensland state championship. So, early next year we will select the team for the championship in April.

“I am really grateful to the AFL Fiji staff and management for working hard behind the scene in hosting this tournament.”

Day Two Results

G1: Fiji Jnr Tribe 6-8-48 def Vanuatu Volcano’s 2-3-15

This match was a closely fought affair, the Vanuatu side played very well and took it right up to the Fiji team. Their pressure was fantastic and caused the Fijian’s into many mistakes. In the end the Fiji Jnr Tribe worked their way into the match and their superior height made a big difference with the forward line hitting the scoreboard well. Great match to start the Oceania Cup Carnival.

GOALS:

Fiji Jnr Tribe – Inia Rabuka 3, Meli Vula 3

Vanuatu – Kieran Kapea, Leonce Warsal

BEST:

Fiji Jnr Tribe – Naibuka Ladiniwasi, Filimoni Nalawa, Inia Rabuka, Vuli Suka, Sentiki Suka, David Whippy

Vanuatu – Leonce Warsal, Junior Telkrap, Brian Malas, Edmond Taiwia, Steven Caleb, Arthurnaz Lenge

G2: Nauru Stars 14-6-90 def Pacific All Stars 1-0-6

The Nauru Stars started their Oceania Cup Campaign with a resounding victory over the Pacific All Stars side. On a very hot afternoon the Nauruan skills came to the fore and they were able to hit up their targets with ease and rebound the ball from half back well. The Pacific All Stars played very well and registered the first goal of the match before the Nauru Stars kicked into gear.

GOALS:

Nauru – Tsunami Kepea 4, Smartt Hubert 3, Billy Boy 2, Samson Hubert 2, Eutoa Reweru 2, Aie Temaki

Pacific All Stars – Eroni Raratabu

BEST:

Nauru Stars – Samson Hubert, Tsunami Kepae, Aie Temaki, Billy Boy Capelle, Eouta Rewera, Innocent Raidi

Pacific All Stars – Paula Tuilevuka, Joshua Nasi, Sevanaia Sautaraga, Benaiah Seru, Ratu Nakelo, Donald Maikoto

G3: Fiji Jnr Tribe 5-7-37 def Pacific All Stars 3-2-20

Fiji Jnr Tribe took the honours against the Pacific All Stars, it was a really close game with the ball moving up and down the field quickly. In the end the Fiji Jnr Tribe were too strong finishing the gam kicking 2 goals to 0 in the last quarter to register the victory.

GOALS:

Fiji Jnr Tribe – Naibuka Ladinawa, Simione Kaivei, Eparama Lagilagi, Inia Rabuka, Salesi Tagicaki

Pacific All Satrs – Jone Radua 2, Meli Vula, Eroni Raratabu

BEST:

Fiji Jnr Tribe – Naibuka Ladiniwasa, Simione Kaivei, Vuli Suka, Salesi Tagicaki, Joshua Bulavou, Rupoeni Mataele

Pacific All Stars – Sevanaia Sauturaga, Josefa Saratibau, Paula Tuilevuka, Meli Vula, Ratu Nakelo, Aliki Matadigo

Edited by Anasilini Natoga

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